The MSc Design for Business at the University of Dundee is a one-year programme where students learn how to solve business problems using creative thinking. It focuses on a concept called design thinking, which involves understanding people’s needs and creating innovative solutions that improve how businesses work.
During the course, students study core modules that cover how to manage brands effectively, create better services, and start or grow a business. Some modules also teach students methods to analyse problems and test new ideas. Through these lessons, students learn not just how to create appealing products but also how to improve business processes and engage people effectively.
Rather than just exams, the course assesses students through assignments like written reports, presentations, and practical projects. Students may even have the chance to take short placements to gain real-world experience.
Furthermore, graduates of this course acquire skills that can open doors to careers in industries like product management, design consultancy, and service design. Some graduates might go on to lead projects in private or public organisations or even start their own businesses.
The University of Dundee began as part of the University of St Andrews in the 19th century and gained independence in 1967.
Its main campus is located in Dundee’s West End, with additional facilities at Ninewells Hospital for medical studies and in Kirkcaldy, Fife, for health sciences.
The university offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including Biomedical and Molecular Sciences with Entrepreneurship and Clinical Embryology & In Vitro Fertilisation. Its School of Business is globally recognised, holding AACSB accreditation and PRME Champions Cohort membership.
The public university has also received numerous awards, including recognition as the UK’s Outstanding Entrepreneurial University in 2024 and a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Applicants should include a 500-word personal statement with their application. This should explain their motivation for choosing the course, relevant skills or experience, expectations of the course, and how they believe it will benefit them.
Grade Requirements
A 2:1 Honours degree is required, preferably in arts, design, humanities, social sciences, or business management. Applicants with other qualifications or relevant work experience may also be eligible.
English Proficiency
International applicants who are non-native English speakers are required to have an overall IELTS score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or provide equivalent English test results from TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic.
Students who are nationals of certain countries may not need to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
The University of Dundee charges £23,000 in tuition fees for international students starting the MSc Design for Business in the 2025/26 academic year. Be aware, the fee might go up by as much as 5% each year of study.
The University of Dundee offers a range of scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship provides £4,000 for students from overseas, while the Global Excellence Scholarship awards up to £5,000 annually to top-performing students. African undergraduate students can apply for the £2,500 Africa Community Scholarship.
Furthermore, the Humanitarian Afghan Women’s Scholarship covers tuition and living expenses for postgraduates, and the Al-Maktoum College Living Support Scholarship supports MSc Islamic Finance students with living costs. Awards are usually given as fixed amounts or tuition fee reductions.
For more information on the scholarships available, students can reach out to our counsellors at AHZ.
Students who earn their MSc Design for Business degree from the University of Dundee can pursue job positions like these:
Apply directly to the university via their online application form. For additional information or support, please contact one of our trained counsellors.
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